Forth Ports has officially opened its new deep-water riverside berth at the Port of Leith, purpose-built to accommodate the world’s largest offshore wind construction vessels. The new berth, formally inaugurated on 24 April, has been named the Charles Hammond Berth in honour of the company’s former chief executive.

The naming ceremony was attended by Kirsty McNeill MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of state for Scotland; lord Smith of Kelvin, chair of Forth Ports; members of the board of directors; key personnel and apprentices from Forth Ports; stakeholders including contractor Grahams; and Charles Hammond OBE himself.

Mr Hammond, who stepped down in 2024 after 23 years at the helm, unveiled a bespoke sculpture to mark the occasion. Created by Borders-based craftsman Daniel Lacey, the 7ft piece was fashioned from a reclaimed wind turbine blade, symbolising the berth’s commitment to renewable energy and sustainable innovation.

The Charles Hammond Berth is the latest milestone in Forth Ports’ ongoing £100 million private investment to transform the Port of Leith into a leading renewables hub. The berth, completed last year, will play a critical role in the construction of the Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm – the largest offshore wind contract in the port’s history. The project is expected to create up to 50 new and upskilled green energy jobs at Forth Ports.

Stuart Wallace, chief executive of Forth Ports Group, commented:
“Today is another landmark moment in Forth Ports’ history and in the transformation of the Port of Leith. We have delivered world-class infrastructure ahead of market demand, positioning Scotland to meet the requirements of the first wave of large-scale offshore wind projects in the North Sea. Together with our investment in the Port of Dundee, we now offer two purpose-built assembly facilities to support the sector.

“These developments align with our vision to address the UK’s port capacity challenge, ensuring activity and job creation remain within Scotland and the wider UK. Naming the berth after Charles is a fitting tribute to his legacy of leadership and strategic foresight.”

Charles Hammond OBE remarked:
“I am deeply honoured by this recognition. During my tenure as chief executive, Leith has undergone substantial transformation, but this new berth represents the most significant change in a generation. With sustained private investment and collaboration across government, the port is well-placed to deliver a robust pipeline of offshore wind projects that will benefit local communities and support national net zero ambitions.”

Kirsty McNeill MP added:
“It is a privilege to attend the opening of the Charles Hammond Berth. This £100 million investment from Forth Ports demonstrates the forward-looking infrastructure required to accelerate Scotland’s transition to net zero. The berth is more than a tribute to an outstanding leader; it is a bold signal of intent for Scotland’s renewable energy future and a catalyst for high-quality green jobs in the region.”

The Charles Hammond Berth features a heavy lift capacity of up to 100 tonnes per square metre, supported by 175 acres of adjoining land designated for renewables logistics, marshalling, and manufacturing. The Port of Leith is now Scotland’s largest renewable energy hub, central to the Forth Green Freeport’s strategic plan to reindustrialise central Scotland, foster supply chain growth, and enable a just energy transition.